This time, threats of another brain drain are contradicted by the quiet return of emigre doctors from the once-promised land of America, describing how private insurers won't authorize treatments, patients don't pay their bills, and malpractice premiums are punishing. Also, medical school slots have recently doubled with a clutch of new schools across Ontario, plus a surge in foreign-trained doctors.
This time, technological advances have bolstered the government's case for fee reductions. Exhibit A is cataract surgery, which takes 15 minutes today compared to two hours in the past.
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